Friday, September 4: Praying for a New Academic Year
As the LMU community ushers in an academic year unlike any other, we pause to pray for our friends, colleagues, students, teachers, mentors, and leaders. Enlivened by the spirit of our Ignatian values, we enter this year with hope for grace and consolation, growth and clarity.
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In the Spirit
Dr. Marcus Mescher (Xavier University)
Let us take a moment to collect ourselves, center ourselves, ground ourselves.
As partners in mission...let us pray:
In the spirit of "seeking God in all things," may we...
- pause for a moment of contemplation by taking a long, loving look at the real--to recognize and honor the goodness in us and around us;
- recognize the presence and power of God in our midst;
- savor the consolation in our lives...;
- learn from the desolation in the world as we call to mind the suffering and sin of so many, including ourselves;
- be attentive and responsive to who God is calling and empowering us to be and to do;
- creatively, compassionately, and courageously imagine that more is possible.
In the spirit of cura personalis, may we...
- be tender with ourselves and with each other, bringing respect to every encounter;
- affirm the wisdom we have gleaned through our experiences, and generously share and receive that wisdom...;
- give ourselves 'margins for error' and not be afraid to speak because we 'might say something wrong';
- listen deeply, especially to views and voices that differ from my own, in seeking empathy and understanding as well as appreciation for diversity and inclusion.
In the spirit of "women and men for and with others," may we...
- see ourselves as bridge builders, ambassadors of reconciliation, and peace-makers, especially in the face of so many hurtful divisions and unequal inequalities;
- overcome the globalization of indifference by drawing near to others, doing our part to restore dignity, unmask racism, sexism, homophobia and every form of discrimination, violence, and injustice, and build partnerships marked by mutual honesty and trust;
- work toward ever more inclusive solidarity and kinship.
In the spirit of magis, may we...
- be enkindled by the fire--as Pope Francis defines magis: "the fervor in action, awakening those who have become dormant"--to shed ourselves of complacency and comfort, in order to recommit ourselves to the service of faith and the promotion of justice;
- grow in affection for God, seek union with God, and deepen our devotion to what God desires for each one of us and for all creation;
- develop prophetic imagination, practice prophetic discourse, and adopt the kind of actions--guided by goals and strategies that will foster agreement and accountability--that will inspire us to embrace prophetic leadership on our campuses and in our communities and homes;
- in the face of so many reasons to be tired, distracted, overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, or tempted to despair, may we choose to be witnesses of faith, hope, and love;
- May we do all of this as sisters and brothers united by love and justice, A.M.D.G., for the greater glory of God.
Amen.
- Prayer written and offered by Dr. Marcus Mescher (Xavier University) at the annual AJCU Faculty Conversations Conference at Xavier University (2018).
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More to Explore
- For more about the Ignatian themes referenced in this prayer, visit our Glossary of Ignatian Terms
- To reflect on the past months or year and look ahead to the future, consider praying an Examen once or as a daily practice
- For more prayers for milestones or on other specific topics, browse prayers and reflections by theme
